Rio Olympics

Picture this: Rio de Janeiro, middle of August. The air thick with humidity, the constant buzz of helicopters overhead. The Stage and Screen team is managing 500 people's movements across a city in beautiful chaos, while tracking a missing canoe somewhere between Australia and Copacabana...

The Scale

During the Rio Olympics, Stage and Screen managed the logistics for over 500 travellers, including camera and technical crews, commentators, reporters, athletes, their management teams, and their equipment. Transporting a canoe to South America, with three transfers and 35 hours in transit, is the best example of the complexities faced.

The Challenge

Stage and Screen anticipated logistical challenges in a country where even under optimal conditions, you often hold your breath and hope for the best. With the influx of hundreds of thousands of people into Rio, the language barrier, and the cultural differences, the stakes were high and the risks numerous.

Stage and Screen's response plan evolved almost daily as the team dealt with a host of issues: lost luggage, missed flights, extreme traffic congestion, chaotic airport management, and shortages in air, hotel, and car supplies. However, through collaboration with local authorities and Olympic officials, the Travel Managers managed to resolve or alleviate many of these problems.

The Outcome

Having a plan is great, but without thorough communication and training, even the best plans can fall apart.

Effective communication and robust training of our team are indispensable components of successful contingency planning. Trust Stage and Screen to be well-versed in contingency plans and confident execution without hesitation or confusion.

Want to find out about more complex travel for sporting events? Check out our full list of Case Studies.